Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri

Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri help pay your out-of-pocket responsibility while on Original Medicare. Your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan will cover the costs Original Medicare leaves behind. However, the level of coverage depends on the Medigap plan option you choose.

Below, we review Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri to help you make the best choice for your healthcare coverage.

What Are the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri?

Original Medicare does not cover everything. Comprised of Medicare Part A and Part B, both parts of Original Medicare leave you responsible for paying at least 20% in out-of-pocket copayments. Fortunately, Medigap plans are available through private insurance companies to fill this coverage gap.

Like most of the U.S., Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri are standardized into ten lettered plans and two high-deductible plans. Regardless of location or carrier, each plan of the same letter offers identical benefits.

The only differences between plans of the same letter are the monthly premium and carrier experience. Of the 12 available Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri, Medigap Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N are the best options.

However, the best Medicare Supplement plan in Missouri for you depends on your needs. Many agents will suggest Medicare Supplement Plan G because it leaves you with minimal costs outside of the premium, and rate increases are historically lower.

Yet, Medigap Plan F will be best for some because it is the most comprehensive coverage. Further, Medicare Supplement Plan N works for others who do not need as much coverage and appreciate its lower monthly premium. It is best to be open-minded about your options and consider the long-term benefits of your selection.

Above all, it is vital to understand whether you qualify for the plan of your choice before trying to enroll. Those who receive Original Medicare after January 1, 2020, are not eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan F. However, when you have Original Medicare before this date, you can pick up this plan if you pass medical underwriting.

What is the Anniversary Rule for Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri?

Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri allow an anniversary rule each year. The anniversary rule permits you to switch Medicare Supplement policies within 60 days of your policy enrollment anniversary each year.

With the Missouri Medigap anniversary rule, you can only change from your current plan to another plan of the same letter. So, you cannot switch from Medicare Supplement Plan G to Plan F. However, you can change from Medigap Plan N with Mutual of Omaha to Plan N with Aetna.

When you utilize your anniversary rule, you can make a policy change without going through medical Medicare Supplement underwriting questions. Outside of your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue right, you will need to undergo this process. Thus, you may face denial from a policy due to pre-existing health conditions.

The anniversary rule allows you to compare premiums yearly. Plan changes are simple and can be done over the phone. Additionally, reviewing your policy each year is the best way to ensure you continue to pay the lowest monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement plan.

How Much Do Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri Cost?

The price of Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri can change based on several factors. Often, your monthly premium rate is based on your location, age, gender, the carrier you choose, and tobacco use status.

Typically, men will pay more for Medicare Supplement plans than women. Additionally, those who use tobacco products will pay more than those who do not.

The charts below show sample monthly Missouri Medigap premiums for a 65-year-old male and female compared to a 75-year-old male and female in the same Missouri zip code.

* If on Medicare before 01/01/2020

Additionally, it is beneficial to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan as soon as you are eligible. If you enroll at age 75, you will likely pay a higher monthly premium than if you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

In addition to your monthly premium, you must account for other out-of-pocket costs your Medicare Supplement plan may require.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Missouri Under 65

According to federal law, there is no requirement for Medicare Supplement carriers to offer Medigap plans to those with Medicare due to disability. However, some state laws require companies to provide at least one policy for disabled beneficiaries.

Missouri is one of the states with this requirement. Thus, if a carrier offers Medicare Supplement plans to those who age into Medicare in Missouri, they must provide at least one option to those under age 65 on disability.

Although Missouri requires carriers to offer Medicare Supplement plans to those on Medicare due to disability, the state does not regulate the price. Typically, premiums tend to be higher for those under 65.

So, people on Medicare disability could benefit from Medicare Advantage coverage until they turn 65. When turning 65, they will receive a second Medigap Open Enrollment Period to obtain additional coverage without overspending on benefits.

Does Missouri Allow Medicare Excess Charges?

Some Medicare Supplement plans do not cover Medicare excess charges. Most notably, Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover these charges. Excess charges are an additional cost of up to 15% over the Medicare-approved cost of a service from a physician who does not accept Medicare assignment.

While excess charges are not common, Missouri, like most states, allows them. Thus, your physician may bill for excess charges if they do not accept Medicare assignment.

However, the number of doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment is minimal. You will likely never face excess charges. To avoid these charges, consult with your physician before receiving any medical services.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options in Missouri

Alongside Medicare Supplement plans in Missouri, the state offers several additional coverage options for those with Original Medicare. When you have Original Medicare – with or without a Medicare Supplement plan – Medicare Part D can provide coverage for prescription drugs.

If a Medicare Supplement plan is not suitable for you, Medicare Advantage plans are also available in Missouri. Through private insurance companies, these plans combine Medicare Part A and Part B coverage with extra benefits, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing. However, this comprehensive coverage often includes restrictions, limited networks, and referral requirements when you need to see a specialist.

Additionally, ancillary plans such as dental, vision, hearing, and critical illness are available in Missouri. Original Medicare and Medigap do not provide comprehensive coverage for these categories, so enrolling in additional policies with affordable premiums is beneficial.